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Semis: here we come

23.01.2008 | Tennis

Roger mastered American James Blake for an eighth straight time to claim a 7-5, 7-6(5), 6-4 win in two hours to march into Friday's semi-final against Novak Djokovic.

Both players exchanged service breaks early in the opening set and Blake was in the match before a forehand error on set point handed Roger the first set. It was the same again in the second with services exchanged but Blake came under pressure on his service and fought off break points in the eighth and two set points in the 10th before the set went to a tiebreaker - going to Roger in the end.

Roger eventually held two match points and clinched victory when Blake's backhand sailed over the baseline at the end of the third set. "James is such a great player, hits some incredible shots and he's so dangerous on any point, he's improved a lot over the last few years," Roger said after the match.

The victory keeps alive Roger's drive to win the first Grand Slam of the year for the third consecutive time and pull within one of Pete Sampras' record of 14 Grand Slam titles. "It's great to be on top of the game for so long and be compared to the greats like Rod Laver and Sampras," Roger said. His comment to the upcoming match against Djokovic, Roger commented: "He's done a phenomenal job, four semi-finals of Grand Slams at his age, I was never close to that at his age, he's improved so much in the last couple of years and it's exciting playing the best in the world".

i couldn't believe what i was seein roger.......
i just cudn't believe it............so many unforced errors..............you literally gave the match to him.......................by losing this match u have proved once again that u are vulnerable to the

I just heard that finally Djokovic won the match. It is OK with me because I still stay by you at any case believing, that you are the best, at least in my heart and I am sure it is the same way with all of us, your fans. So dont worry, be happy that you

Hi Roger, like all your fans I too was cheering for you in the confines of my living room. You tried your best but Djokovic really played well. I am sure at moments like these, one can feel the nerves, perhaps the pressure from the media, your own expecta

Dearest Roger,
I'm sorry you lost, but I will always be your fan. You didn't play your best throughout the tournament, but you were ill and didn't play a single match before it. You have tried everything, you had a very difficult draw. Still, you have sa

no worries champ!..there is still next year!!..i just wish u good luck for the year ahead...u can do it!!!
we will always be there for u and luv yooh!!!
God bless u!! you will always be a champion in my heart!
bhavana

It´s a shame, that you didn´t beat Djokovic. But don´t panic, you can beat him next time. Today wasn´t your day, I think. Your serve didn´t work as usual, you were too defensive, I think and you made too unerforced errors.

Welldone! you came short this time againt a spirited Djokovic.
Looks like the rest of the field are gradually cracking the code.Maybe, now is the time to get a coach and try to add some new dimention to your game.Rightnow, most of the guys are containing

You were spectacular against Blake, and here in the States I am watching your match against Djokovic... No matter who wins this, you are always going to be a champion. Your spirit and talent are incomparable, and they will carry you on thro

Well done. Even Blake tryed hard, you funally won. I wand you so much to achieve the same with Djokovic even I like him too as I like Blake. But its you I prefer (above all) to be the winner!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know it is not easy all the time........because